We walked around finding one cafe after another either not existing any more, under new (chain/franchise) ownership, or lacking the character described in the book. Restaurant listings are out of date with prices having shot up tremendously in those listed as affordable. The site descriptions are also of uneven quality. The Villa Spada, described as one of the most beautiful palaces on the outskirts of Bologna, is now a tired old dilapidated building, with peeling paint and covered in graffitti. The surrounding gardens are in a terrible state.

Overall we found the guide to be quite unreliable and disappointing. It could be good but needs some serious updating. Use at your own peril.


The best, but not brilliant   May 15, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Of the very few guidebooks available specifically for this great city, this seems to be the best. It is sound on most things, and written in a cool style. The "must see" bits are pretty good, and the recommendations on bars, restaurants etc good too [though I suspect it would be difficult to find a poor restaurant in this place]. Its weak on out of town stuff though, and the maps are terrible [get a single sheet map from your hotel].